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Best beginner surf spots in Costa Rica

Check out these underrated surf spots perfect for beginners

There are loads of surf camps in Costa Rica, but if you're new to surfing, you’ll want a spot that’s mellow, beginner-friendly, and ideally not packed with tourists 24/7. These are some of our favourite places to learn—plus, we’ll help you build a trip around them that includes lessons, cool activities, and time to explore.

Surfing in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf, with warm water, chill beach towns, and easy waves that are perfect for beginners. Whether you want a full surf camp experience, a few lessons during your trip, or to mix surfing with yoga, Spanish or volunteering — we’ve got options to match your vibe.

Santa Teresa: Surf, Chill, Repeat

Santa Teresa has that barefoot, end-of-the-road feeling—and that’s exactly why people love it. Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula, this is where dirt roads meet palm-fringed beaches and life moves to the rhythm of the tides. It’s remote enough to feel like a real escape, but not so off-grid that you’ll miss out on good coffee or Wi-Fi when you need it.

The surf here is consistent and beginner-friendly, with long rolling beach breaks that make it easy to learn and fun to improve. But it’s not just the waves that make Santa Teresa special—it’s the vibe. It has all you need: hammocks, smoothie bowls, sunrise yoga, sunset beers, and a super friendly international crowd that’s here for the same reason as you: to slow down, have fun, and try something new.

We’ve got several options here depending on how you want to travel:

Surf-only packages – perfect if you’re just here to catch waves and chill. Daily lessons, gear rental, and a crew of likeminded people included.
Surf & volunteer – combine your lessons with a meaningful project, like helping with beach clean-ups or working on local community initiatives.
Surf & yoga – balance out the paddling and wipeouts with restorative yoga sessions in a jungle studio.
Surf & Spanish – pick up some useful local lingo between surf sessions and impress the locals with more than just your board skills.

Whether you’re here for a week or longer, Santa Teresa makes it really hard to leave. Don’t be surprised if you extend your stay—or come back again next year.

Combine surfing with volunteering in Santa Teresa

Playa Tamarindo: learn how to surf

Tamarindo is one of the most popular spots for learning to surf—and for good reason. The waves are super forgiving, and there’s a bunch of surf schools with experienced local instructors. While we don’t offer a surf camp here, Tamarindo is one of the key stops on several of our Costa Rica trips that include surf lessons, beach time, and a bunch of other epic activities. Great waves, good food, and easy-going vibes—what more do you need?

Best beaches to learn how to surf

Sámara & Playa Carrillo: Small-Town Surf and Chill Vibes

If you’re after a more low-key place to learn to surf in Costa Rica, Sámara and nearby Playa Carrillo are great picks. The waves here are super beginner-friendly, the beach is safe for swimming, and the town has a cosy, laid-back feel that’s perfect for first-time travellers or anyone who’s not into big party scenes.

Playa Sámara has plenty of surf schools and instructors who know how to teach complete beginners without making you feel like an idiot (we’ve all been there). It’s a good place to build your confidence on the board before heading to slightly bigger waves. Just down the road, Playa Carrillo is even quieter—with palm trees lining the beach, barely any crowds, and that classic tropical postcard look. You won’t find big resorts here, which makes it feel more local and less touristy.